By Imtiaz Hussain
SUKKUR: A consultative workshop was held in Sukkur to gather recommendations for the proposed Sindh Women Empowerment Policy, with participants calling for stronger legal protections, greater economic opportunities and institutional reforms to improve the lives of women across the province.
The one-day workshop was organised by the Legal Aid Society (LAS) as the technical partner of the Aawaz II Project, which is implemented by CARE Pakistan with support from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Speaking at the event, LAS representatives Abbas Ali and Darya Khan said the proposed policy aims to establish a comprehensive framework to remove barriers preventing women from accessing their rights, resources and development opportunities.
CARE Pakistan representative Naeemuddin presented the preliminary draft of the policy, outlining key priorities including women’s economic empowerment, access to justice, social protection and political participation. Participants from government institutions, civil society organisations and development groups were invited to provide recommendations to ensure the policy reflects the realities and needs of women across Sindh.
During the discussions, participants identified patriarchal social structures and the illegal jirga system as significant barriers to women’s rights. They urged the government to ensure equal opportunities for women in all sectors and take stronger action against unlawful jirgas.
Participants also argued that financial assistance alone was insufficient to achieve lasting economic empowerment. They recommended establishing village-level industries and vocational training centres to help women secure sustainable livelihoods.
The workshop further highlighted the need for reforms in the police and justice systems to improve the response to violence against women. Participants also called for better healthcare services, urging the government to establish modern hospitals and improve access to quality medical facilities in remote areas of Sindh.
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